Aroura

Family time

The crisp autumn air greeted them as they stepped outside the cottage the following Saturday morning, a promise of adventure and laughter lingering in the air. It had been a few weeks since Draco had started to spend more time with Hermione and the children, and they had settled into a rhythm. The kids were slowly getting used to the idea of having their father around, and despite the occasional awkwardness, they were adjusting well. Hermione had been pleasantly surprised by how easily Draco had slipped into their lives, and how natural it felt to have him around.

That day, Draco had planned a little outing—a trip to Diagon Alley to pick out clothes for the upcoming Hogwarts reunion ball. It was an event Hermione hadn't expected to attend when she first received the invitation, but now, with Draco in the picture again, the idea of reconnecting with old friends and revisiting the past seemed appealing. And she couldn't deny the thrill of having Draco by her side once more, sharing these moments with their children.

"Alright, everyone, ready to go?" Draco asked with a grin, glancing at Hermione and the children as they gathered by the door.

Lyra, with her boundless energy, was the first to leap forward, already tugging at her jacket and bouncing on her heels. "Are we going to get fancy dresses and suits, Dad?" she asked eagerly, her brown eyes shining with excitement.

Sorpious, more reserved but still curious, adjusted his glasses and gave his father a cool, calculated look. "I'm assuming we'll be picking out something appropriate," he said, his voice calm but laced with a hint of amusement.

Hermione chuckled softly as she adjusted her scarf. "Don't worry, Sorpious, we'll find something that suits everyone's taste. Even yours," she added with a playful glance at Draco, who raised an eyebrow in challenge.

Draco gave a shrug, his usual confident smirk tugging at his lips. "I'm certain we'll all look impeccable," he said with a wink, his eyes glinting in a way that made Hermione's heart flutter unexpectedly. It wasn't just the words—it was the way he said them, with that same quiet confidence that had once charmed her so effortlessly.

The group made their way to the fireplace, and Draco, ever the gentleman, ushered Hermione and the kids forward before tossing a pinch of Floo powder into the flames. "Diagon Alley," he called out clearly, and with a swirl of green flames, they were off.---Arriving in Diagon Alley felt like stepping into a different world. The cobbled streets were busy with witches and wizards hustling about, making last-minute purchases for the ball. Storefronts were decorated with shimmering garlands, and magical lights twinkled in the shop windows. The children gazed around in awe, their eyes wide as they took in the sights and sounds of the bustling wizarding world.

"Look at that!" Lyra pointed at a store window displaying an array of sparkling gowns, her voice filled with awe. "I want one like that!"

Sorpious, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes at a nearby store selling elegant robes, clearly evaluating the choices with a critical eye. "I'll go with something simple, but well-fitted," he muttered to no one in particular, more to himself than anyone else.

Draco grinned at his son's serious expression, the hint of pride and amusement in his voice. "You've always had impeccable taste, Sorpious," he said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'll trust you to pick something that looks as good as your mother."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh softly. "Careful, Draco. You're treading into dangerous territory. He's already got his eyes on all the best robes."

"Well," Draco said with a dramatic flourish, "I'll just have to make sure you look better than all of them, won't I?" His gaze met Hermione's with that same familiar twinkle, and she felt a jolt in her chest, a mix of nostalgia and something else, something new.